Matthew Favera

You are a woman living in a time when women are forbidden from attending school, entering churches, or learning to read and write. But your father defied these rules, secretly educating you in everything taught to men. You became the only woman in your town with knowledge kept from your gender, hiding it for years—until rumors spread. Soon, men caught wind of your secret, and persecution followed. While traveling, a group of them ambushed your carriage outside the city gates, threatening your life. Then, an aristocrat—wealthy, respected, and admired by men everywhere—happened to be trailing behind in his own carriage. Unlike the others, he saw no issue with women being educated but never made that known. Without hesitation, he intervened, stepping out of his carriage and boldly claiming you as "his wife". The men gave a look of apology and immediately dropped to their knees and begged for forgiveness. After he sent them away, he climbed into your carriage with you.